It’s hard for me to say, but one of our favorite Pirates in recent memory could be on his way out. The Bucs are reportedly pushing hard to deal 2B Freddy Sanchez, and a potential trade could be done by the weekend.

[Dejan Kovacevic says] that the Rockies, Giants, and as many as 5 other teams have talked to the Pirates about their All-Star second baseman. [MLBTR says] that the Rockies are the front runners, and we are interested in players such as speedster second baseman Eric Young Jr., pitcher Casey Weathers (8th overall pick on ’07), and young speedy outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, who is already in the majors. I do not see the need to trade for yet another outfielder. We need middle infielders and maybe a little more pitching, but I am sure we would get more than what Freddy is worth from a statistical standpoint. Even if that is the case, I would still not be in favor of shipping away Sanchez.

Fred has been a great hitter on our team for years now, making multiple All-Star appearances (he’ll play in his third ASG next week) and even winning a batting title. His career batting average is .302, but since 2004 (when he first played in the majors for us after being traded from Boston) his average is higher than .302. He can place the ball wherever he wants and finds the gaps frequently. Freddy’s been a stud on defense, always making the Aspen Dental play that makes us smile. He does everything you can possibly ask of a major league second baseman.

Yeah sure, he is 31 years old, but this guy could have 7 more good years in him, maybe even more. Think about it, as you age, you lose speed and strength. With Freddy’s unreal talent, he basically takes those 2 factors out of the equation. He could never steal bases anyways because of his club foot, and has never been a big home run hitter. You do not need a lot of speed for what he does: finding the gaps and hitting doubles. Jeff Kent played a fantastic career, and quit when he was 40. Do you have any doubt that Fred could do the same? Even if we aren’t going to keep him for that much longer, his 2010 $8M option (which is pretty good value based on the way he’s playing at the moment) is on pace to be automatically triggered at season’s end. Sanchez has always been our best pure hitter, and losing him would put a huge hole in our already-depleted lineup. There is no replacement waiting in the wings, a-la McCutchen when McLouth was traded.

With Freddy, it goes much further than the statistics. Just as Dirty Doug said to Brian, clubhouse influences mean a lot. We just lost Nyjer, Hinske, Burnett, and McLouth. Who do we have left if we lose Freddy? Adam LaRoche? No, because he will likely be gone in few weeks too. Fred has always been an optimistic player, making great comments such as saying that he wants to be here when the Bucs turn it around. What is management telling him? “Guess what Fred? Too bad. We do not think we can win in your time here, so we are just gonna trade you away, and cross our fingers hoping that we get something good in return.” That is what it seems like to me.

I have said this in a comment before, but I will say it again. Freddy is the one current player I would like to see retire in a Pirates uniform. We are all proud of all of the great things he has done as a Pirate. We all love to watch him play, and if you don’t, you are not a Pirate fan. He is the hardworking, gritty guy that we love and cherish in Pittsburgh. Those are the guys that we make “our own” and embrace. Well, I think he has done pretty darn well as “that guy”, putting on a show for us everytime he takes the field and giving it his all. Yeah he’s had a bad slump or two, but he was playing through an injury, for us, for the team. This is a guy that always had our back, and now we have his. I speak for all real Pirate fans when I say, we will miss you Freddy, and you will always be a Pirate to us. And as for the front office guys, really think this one through for once because you sure can prevent this mistake.

TRIVIA QUESTION

Who do little kids who play baseball and love the Pirates look up to as a role model, and strive to be?

SPOILER ALERT: It’s Freddy Sanchez, there goes your young fanbase Huntington… It’s OK, they can look up to Adam LaR… oh wait we are trading him too, Jack Wi… no he will be gone, Nyjer Morg… my bad he is already gone, how about Jeff Salazar he seems like he is here to stay?

Yea I don’t think the pirates dugout could take another hit like that…they are already spiraling from the nyjer trade and i think losing freddy would put the nail in the coffin.

Jake M

Yea I don’t think the pirates dugout could take another hit like that…they are already spiraling from the nyjer trade and i think losing freddy would put the nail in the coffin.

Jesse

Glad to hear someone agree, a lot of people think it is the right thing because Freddy is “past his prime”

Jesse

Glad to hear someone agree, a lot of people think it is the right thing because Freddy is “past his prime”

Matt

I’ve only followed the Pirates closely since last September when I moved to Pittsburgh, so I’m probably not as attached to some of the veterans as others ’round these parts are. Could Freddy be a good player for seven more years? Sure. However, it is more likely that he regresses a bit. Freddy’s career .302 average is very impressive, his .338 OBP is only slightly above league average (albeit it very good for his position). I don’t want to trade Freddy for the sake of trading him, but if the Pirates get good value in return, I say make the deal. As for your final question, I think you know the real answer: Andrew McCutchen. He’ll be here for quite a while and is already one of the most exciting players in the Major Leagues. As for the chemistry–they’ll get over it. Maybe it will affect the team’s play for a few games or even a couple months (and those are big “maybes”), but it’s not like the Pirates are going to win the division this year anyway. Sure it will be hard to let him go, but I think most Pirates fans would rather win a World Series down the road than hold onto an “All-Star” (hey, every team’s gotta have one) who happens to be popular in the clubhouse and around town. I don’t mean to sound harsh; I’m usually in full agreement with you guys, but on this one I say trade him if you can get good value. Keep up the good blogging.

Matt

I’ve only followed the Pirates closely since last September when I moved to Pittsburgh, so I’m probably not as attached to some of the veterans as others ’round these parts are. Could Freddy be a good player for seven more years? Sure. However, it is more likely that he regresses a bit. Freddy’s career .302 average is very impressive, his .338 OBP is only slightly above league average (albeit it very good for his position). I don’t want to trade Freddy for the sake of trading him, but if the Pirates get good value in return, I say make the deal. As for your final question, I think you know the real answer: Andrew McCutchen. He’ll be here for quite a while and is already one of the most exciting players in the Major Leagues. As for the chemistry–they’ll get over it. Maybe it will affect the team’s play for a few games or even a couple months (and those are big “maybes”), but it’s not like the Pirates are going to win the division this year anyway. Sure it will be hard to let him go, but I think most Pirates fans would rather win a World Series down the road than hold onto an “All-Star” (hey, every team’s gotta have one) who happens to be popular in the clubhouse and around town. I don’t mean to sound harsh; I’m usually in full agreement with you guys, but on this one I say trade him if you can get good value. Keep up the good blogging.

http://www.raisethejollyroger.com/ Connor

That was a great post, Freddy is the Pirates, who else is loved as much as him? He’s the hardest worker with a great story, he was born with a club right foot and a severely pigeon-toed left foot. The doctors said he might never walk and he completely proved them wrong. He’s a humble guy who plays his heart out. Your right anyone who doesn’t like Freddy or thinks we should trade him is not a Pirate fan, they are an idiot. Huntington is killing me, we have seen every beloved Pirate traded since he got here, Freddy and LaRoche will be next. Will we trade McCutchen next year? or Alvarez in a few years? We are like a farm team, we get players better then ship them out for more prospects. Pirates Rebuilding since 1992 and it keeps going on. Freddy you will be missed, Huntington hope your ready to piss off every single Pirate fan, hope you are gone as well by the end of the year.

http://www.raisethejollyroger.com Connor

That was a great post, Freddy is the Pirates, who else is loved as much as him? He’s the hardest worker with a great story, he was born with a club right foot and a severely pigeon-toed left foot. The doctors said he might never walk and he completely proved them wrong. He’s a humble guy who plays his heart out. Your right anyone who doesn’t like Freddy or thinks we should trade him is not a Pirate fan, they are an idiot. Huntington is killing me, we have seen every beloved Pirate traded since he got here, Freddy and LaRoche will be next. Will we trade McCutchen next year? or Alvarez in a few years? We are like a farm team, we get players better then ship them out for more prospects. Pirates Rebuilding since 1992 and it keeps going on. Freddy you will be missed, Huntington hope your ready to piss off every single Pirate fan, hope you are gone as well by the end of the year.

Having also been born with clubbed feet, I have always been a fan of Freddy in Pittsburgh. What he has done by battling through his birth defect has always been a source of pride for me. My doctors didn’t encourage me to be more active in sports when I was growing up, however I had nearly crippling arthritis in both feet before I was a teenager as a result.

I digress… maybe on paper the deal makes sense. I know we’ve been through several regimes in the 17 years, but the same theory holds true. Gut and build. Gut and build.

There’s a point in time where we need to play the hand we’re dealt. Take a chance with the pieces in place. We’ve been close a few times this decade to breaking out, but we get trigger happy and seem to be allergic to any sign of success.

There was a passing reference on a Twitter feed that someone was not fielding requests to host a protest if Freddy was dealt. We’re beyond protests at this point. We won’t see another walk out (which I was opposed to at the time). We’re to the point of apathy. My blink reaction to the McLouth trade was outrage. My blink reaction to the Morgan trade was no reaction at all. That reaction by me and other fans is a terminal problem. That’s the reaction the front office should truly be terrified of. We’re fast approaching a reality where we’ll strive to have Florida Marlins type attendance. Management will dance in the streets for a 10,000 fan weekend game. That is the nightmare scenario, and we’re on the cusp of it as I write this.

http://www.proportionalresponse.net Joseph

Having also been born with clubbed feet, I have always been a fan of Freddy in Pittsburgh. What he has done by battling through his birth defect has always been a source of pride for me. My doctors didn’t encourage me to be more active in sports when I was growing up, however I had nearly crippling arthritis in both feet before I was a teenager as a result.

I digress… maybe on paper the deal makes sense. I know we’ve been through several regimes in the 17 years, but the same theory holds true. Gut and build. Gut and build.

There’s a point in time where we need to play the hand we’re dealt. Take a chance with the pieces in place. We’ve been close a few times this decade to breaking out, but we get trigger happy and seem to be allergic to any sign of success.

There was a passing reference on a Twitter feed that someone was not fielding requests to host a protest if Freddy was dealt. We’re beyond protests at this point. We won’t see another walk out (which I was opposed to at the time). We’re to the point of apathy. My blink reaction to the McLouth trade was outrage. My blink reaction to the Morgan trade was no reaction at all. That reaction by me and other fans is a terminal problem. That’s the reaction the front office should truly be terrified of. We’re fast approaching a reality where we’ll strive to have Florida Marlins type attendance. Management will dance in the streets for a 10,000 fan weekend game. That is the nightmare scenario, and we’re on the cusp of it as I write this.

Jesse

Connor, you know I love you. As for Matt, I completely agree about McCutchen, he has been my favorite player in the organization for about 3 years. I was just trying to get the point across that we are not building a fan base of young kids who wanna go out and see the Pirates play. Clearly McCutchen will be the role model, and the one to retire here (maybe). As for the trade part of your comment, I agree but do not think it is that realistic. Think about it, the people that want him most likely want his so they can contend in this years playoff race. It will be tough to find a team that wants that and has a major league 2B to just give us. That said, I do agree that if we get a very good offer that gives us a lot more than he is worth, then pull the trigger. I guess I just don’t trust the guys in the Front Office to get what we need. Eric Young Jr. would be a great player to get, but I dont think that the Rockies want to give him up. I look around the AAA level and the majors and dont see that many good young middle infielders that would fit in a deal. There is a report that we have a scout at the Rangers/Mariners game. That has something to do with Freddy or Jack. We will see what happens, thanks for the comments they were very good. I love you all

Jesse

Connor, you know I love you. As for Matt, I completely agree about McCutchen, he has been my favorite player in the organization for about 3 years. I was just trying to get the point across that we are not building a fan base of young kids who wanna go out and see the Pirates play. Clearly McCutchen will be the role model, and the one to retire here (maybe). As for the trade part of your comment, I agree but do not think it is that realistic. Think about it, the people that want him most likely want his so they can contend in this years playoff race. It will be tough to find a team that wants that and has a major league 2B to just give us. That said, I do agree that if we get a very good offer that gives us a lot more than he is worth, then pull the trigger. I guess I just don’t trust the guys in the Front Office to get what we need. Eric Young Jr. would be a great player to get, but I dont think that the Rockies want to give him up. I look around the AAA level and the majors and dont see that many good young middle infielders that would fit in a deal. There is a report that we have a scout at the Rangers/Mariners game. That has something to do with Freddy or Jack. We will see what happens, thanks for the comments they were very good. I love you all

Jesse

Thank you for you input Joseph. I agree 100%, Freddy has always been good to us, and will continue to be, unless this deal goes down. The thought of going to a game knowing he will not be in the lineup saddens me. Very cool to get a perspective of someone who has such similarities with Freddy. Both of you are true fighters

Jesse

Thank you for you input Joseph. I agree 100%, Freddy has always been good to us, and will continue to be, unless this deal goes down. The thought of going to a game knowing he will not be in the lineup saddens me. Very cool to get a perspective of someone who has such similarities with Freddy. Both of you are true fighters

David

Should we trade Sanchez? Depends on the value we get in return.

Assuming no trade, I think Sanchez will fall a bit short of the 600 AB needed to trigger his option, so he will likely leave as a free agent after the season. Given his good batting and excellent defense, he should be a type A free agent, which means the team will get one first round pick and one pick just after the first round as compensation.

So, two good, very young prospects – that’s the floor for Sanchez’s value. For a team like the Pirates with a pitch-to-contact pitching staff, Sanchez’s defense brings some value bit that, say one good AAA prospect, and one good AA prospect.

If management can get that kind of return, I’d say it’s a fair trade for the Pirates. But for a half, or a year and a half of Sanchez, with his above average salary, I don’t see another team offering such a return.

David

Sorry, it should read “… some value beyond that …”

David

Should we trade Sanchez? Depends on the value we get in return.

Assuming no trade, I think Sanchez will fall a bit short of the 600 AB needed to trigger his option, so he will likely leave as a free agent after the season. Given his good batting and excellent defense, he should be a type A free agent, which means the team will get one first round pick and one pick just after the first round as compensation.

So, two good, very young prospects – that’s the floor for Sanchez’s value. For a team like the Pirates with a pitch-to-contact pitching staff, Sanchez’s defense brings some value bit that, say one good AAA prospect, and one good AA prospect.

If management can get that kind of return, I’d say it’s a fair trade for the Pirates. But for a half, or a year and a half of Sanchez, with his above average salary, I don’t see another team offering such a return.

I agree that the Pirates should not be “pushing” for a trade of Sanchez. However, if the deal is right, they have to trade him.

As far as “hurting the clubhouse,” the majority of player is the clubhouse haven’t even known Sanchez for that long. And the players who will be in the clubhouse in 2012, when we actually have a shot of winning won’t even know who Freddy Sanchez was.

I’m not advocating trading or keeping Sanchez. I’d be ok with both. He’s under contract for a relatively small amount next year and he’s playing pretty well. However, his trade value will not be higher than it is now…ever. If the Pirates are able to capitalize on this, then they should.

http://northsidenotch.blogspot.com Jim Rosati

I agree that the Pirates should not be “pushing” for a trade of Sanchez. However, if the deal is right, they have to trade him.

As far as “hurting the clubhouse,” the majority of player is the clubhouse haven’t even known Sanchez for that long. And the players who will be in the clubhouse in 2012, when we actually have a shot of winning won’t even know who Freddy Sanchez was.

I’m not advocating trading or keeping Sanchez. I’d be ok with both. He’s under contract for a relatively small amount next year and he’s playing pretty well. However, his trade value will not be higher than it is now…ever. If the Pirates are able to capitalize on this, then they should.

Gwig

I don’t want to trade sanchez, but not because of the “clubhouse factor.” I am, however, a clubhouse factor advocate. Regardless, Andrew McCutchen has only known Freddy briefly. Pedro Alvarez isn’t great friends with him. Lastings Milledge has probably never spoken to him, neither has Gorkys. Tabata and Tony Sanchez don’t know the man. Brandon Moss and Andy Laroche have only known him since late last season. My point is that we are building our team around these players that I just mentioned. We are not building our team around most of the players that have know freddy for a long time. E.g. John Grabow, Adam Laroche, Jack Wilson. Now granted Freddy has great relationships with Zach Duke, Paul Maholm, and Ryan Doumit, but most of the people who Neal Huntington says are gonna make us a championship caliber ballclub do not have “friends forever” relationships with Freddy Sanchez. Do not get me wrong though, I don’t want to see Freddy leave unless we get great great value.

http://nothanks Gwig

I don’t want to trade sanchez, but not because of the “clubhouse factor.” I am, however, a clubhouse factor advocate. Regardless, Andrew McCutchen has only known Freddy briefly. Pedro Alvarez isn’t great friends with him. Lastings Milledge has probably never spoken to him, neither has Gorkys. Tabata and Tony Sanchez don’t know the man. Brandon Moss and Andy Laroche have only known him since late last season. My point is that we are building our team around these players that I just mentioned. We are not building our team around most of the players that have know freddy for a long time. E.g. John Grabow, Adam Laroche, Jack Wilson. Now granted Freddy has great relationships with Zach Duke, Paul Maholm, and Ryan Doumit, but most of the people who Neal Huntington says are gonna make us a championship caliber ballclub do not have “friends forever” relationships with Freddy Sanchez. Do not get me wrong though, I don’t want to see Freddy leave unless we get great great value.

Gwig

As for the trivia question, Casey, my little brother, and his little 4th grade friends like Andrew McCutchen and Ryan Doumit.

http://nothanks Gwig

As for the trivia question, Casey, my little brother, and his little 4th grade friends like Andrew McCutchen and Ryan Doumit.

http://www.realfakesports.com/ Real Fake Sports

It’s a shame that the Pirates continue to deal good players. Jason Bay, Nate McClouth, Xavier Nady, etc….Not Hall of Famers (we’ll see with Bay) but sad for the true Pirates fans to have to endure this.

http://www.realfakesports.com Real Fake Sports

It’s a shame that the Pirates continue to deal good players. Jason Bay, Nate McClouth, Xavier Nady, etc….Not Hall of Famers (we’ll see with Bay) but sad for the true Pirates fans to have to endure this.